AfterMaths: How To Teach Primary Maths Problem Solving

In this Aftermaths episode, Jon and Becky dig into one of the biggest ongoing challenges in primary maths: problem solving.

Despite being one of the three core aims of the curriculum, problem solving is still too often treated as something we “do at the end” rather than something we explicitly teach. Drawing on classroom experience, research, and a classic article by Mike Askew, they explore the difference between routine and non-routine problems, and why that distinction matters more than ever.

The conversation unpicks a familiar issue. Children can often perform well in lessons, yet struggle when faced with unfamiliar problems. The issue isn’t always the maths itself, but the lack of a clear approach to tackling problems. As Jon puts it, we’ve been doing lots of solving of problems, but not enough teaching of problem solving as a skill.

Becky shares insights from her work developing new problem solving resources, including the importance of explicitly teaching strategies, building a toolkit of approaches, and creating opportunities for discussion, curiosity, and resilience. They also reflect on the reality of packed curricula, teacher confidence, and why “Fun Friday” problem solving didn’t always deliver what we hoped.

You’ll hear about:

• The difference between routine and non-routine problems and why it matters
• Why word problems are only a small part of true problem solving
• How approaches like pattern spotting and working systematically can provide a way in
• The role of resilience, discussion, and mistakes in developing confident problem solvers
• What it actually looks like to teach problem solving, not just assign it

The episode also introduces Twinkl’s new problem solving resource, designed to support both teachers and pupils with structured strategies, modelled approaches, and rich tasks that build understanding over time.

If problem solving has ever felt like the missing piece in your maths teaching, this is a great place to start.

🔗 Links and Resources

Mike Askew article: https://www.teachprimary.com/learning_resources/view/ks1-and-ks2-maths-problem-solving

Twinkl Problem Solving Guide: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/maths-problem-solving-product-guide-t-m-1776075213

Twinkl TeachMeet page (for upcoming webinars):

hhttps://www.twinkl.co.uk/events/teachmeet

📩 Get Involved

Got a question, reflection, or classroom story?

Email: primarymathspodcast@twinkl.co.uk

Connect with Jon:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncripwell/

Substack:

https://primarymathspodcast.substack.com/